“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality, and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures.” That’s what U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson said when he launched the very first Earth Day back in the spring of 1970. With roughly 20 million Americans taking part in that first Earth Day—from more than 10,000 schools and 1,000 communities across the country, bringing together all walks of life from housewives to farmers to scientists to students—the event was a bigger success than ever anticipated.

I had the honor of meeting and listening to Senator Nelson when he came to talk to The Nature Conservancy in the spring of 2004, just a year before his death. Though older, frailer, and bound to a wheelchair, Senator Nelson had not lost his impact or might. With quiet conviction he told the story of Earth Day, and why indeed it’s critical we continue to gather together on April 22 every year and raise awareness and appreciation for our environment.

After all, as Nelson said in 1995 on the 25th Anniversary of Earth Day, our natural world and our health and wealth are intrinsically tied together: “The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.”

And so year after year we have had the privilege of carrying on Nelson’s vision, and this year is no exception. From oyster festivals to tree plantings, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will be taking part in various Earth Day events across the watershed. Here below is a sneak peak of what you can expect. Please come out and join us!

—Emmy Nicklin

CBF Earth Day Events

Howard County GreenfestVarious earth-friendly vendors and activities, including a children's craft and nature activity.Howard County, Maryland10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 14

Blue Ridge Oyster FestivalOysters, beer/wine, and live music await you at this 2nd annual celebration of the Blue Ridge and the Bay! Proceeds benefit The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge. Nelson County, Virginia1 p.m.-7 p.m., April 21http://blueridgeoysterfest.com/

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Senator Nelson will always be remembered by the impact of his statements. And yes, it echoed not only within the walls of the US but it resounds in almost every part of the globe where resources are being abused and where mother earth always received the whip from the hands of thousands of selfish individuals. We all aim to increase the awareness but there are also others who try to erase every mark we are trying to leave in the hope that others could replicate.

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